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#CzechGP: Jonas Folger fires to second fastest on Friday

The 23-year-old stunning MotoGP™ rookie did not lose anything from his great form during the last four weeks’ summer break.

Jonas Folger again displayed an impressive pace during Friday’s opening sessions at the Brno Circuit to finish day one second fastest overall. However, the day’s action at the return after holidays was characterized by changing weather conditions. Whereas some heavy downpours hit the track in the morning, it quickly dried out in the afternoon. Already during the initial stages of FP2, conditions allowed to go out with a dry setup and slick tyres. Jonas Folger, meanwhile, was hardly affected by the different conditions during the day as he showed up amongst the front runners during both sessions to complete the first free practice of the weekend on a wet track in the southern part of the Czech Republic in tenth position. Folger then made a late lunge to set second fastest lap time at the meanwhile hot tarmac in Brno in the afternoon.

“The weekend has just started but it was definitely a pleasant opener today. To finish in second place, I really didn’t expect that. Especially since my lap times were cancelled during the course of FP2. But, whilst other riders and teams went out with new tyres during the later stages this afternoon, time would have passed to change tyres too. This was why we tried to continue with used tyres and to set competitive lap times with it. In the end, our plan worked out greatly and I could post a very decent lap time. So, the feeling with the bike and for the track fits well. The speed was already there ahead of the Sachsenring race but today’s result is another confirmation that we are fast at all. So, it was a very good first day here in Brno.”

“It also was certainly advantageous that we had a wet session this morning, especially as for Sunday rainy weather is forecasted. Therefore, it was a welcome opportunity to get a first taste for wet conditions at this track. The grip conditions, however, were also good in the morning but more important is that fact that we were fast in the dry too – that gives a great feeling overall. In the end, unfortunately, time went by during FP1 in order to work on a better balance of the bike because there would have been something more to achieve. But if it will rain again at any time this weekend, we already know which clicks are essential to set up the bike properly. In addition, I must say that the track’s operators have done a good job regarding the new tarmac at some parts of the track. The bumps definitely disappeared there as well as the transition from the old tarmac to the new one is hardly noticeable.”